Breadcrumb

Bachelor of
Arts

Overview

One degree. Endless opportunities. Discover your passion while equipping yourself with the skills to succeed in the changing, global workplace.

The future of work is unknown, with people and enterprise skills in increasing demand across all industries. UQ’s Bachelor of Arts graduates are ideally placed to thrive and adapt to this changing environment.

The Bachelor of Arts provides you with creative and critical thinking skills that help you build a portfolio of skills and capabilities that can be transferred across industries.

With one of the most comprehensive course offerings in Australia, you have the opportunity to explore the subjects you love by choosing from more than 40 study areas across the humanities, social sciences and languages.

You'll have access to a range of internships, work experience opportunities and field work tailored to your career aspirations. These will allow you to develop professional skills, build powerful networks, and learn how to thrive in the future workplace.

Take advantage of UQ’s extensive global network by spending time overseas through short-term mobility and exchange programs – UQ has agreements with more than 200 universities in 41 countries.

You can even combine your Bachelor of Arts with 15 other undergraduate degrees including Law, Engineering, Science or Business, and complete two degrees in a shorter time.

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

Communication and engagement officer

Cultural support liaison

Employment consultant

Education administration officer

Local history technician

History teacher

Academic researcher

Arts and cultural facilitator

Professional memberships

When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.

Australian Psychological Society

Program accreditation

The Bachelor of Arts is accredited by:

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council

“I tell every group of kids: I cannot promise you a perfect world, but I can promise you a world of challenges. If you have the courage to face those, and face those with your friends, I can promise you will never be bored.”

Jackie French AM

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts

“The most powerful thing that I learnt at university was the ability to think critically. I carried this ability to analyse and dissect a situation from different angles with me from the classroom to different professional scenarios with relative ease.”

Julia Clyne

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in French and Religion

“In a rapidly changing job market it’s important to study transferrable skills rather than being set into one method of thinking and doing. Arts equips you with how to think, not what to think, and allows you to study the widest range of subjects.”

Henry Friend

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology

“I honestly feel that the knowledge gained while studying prepared me to become an insightful team leader and player... I credit the subjects in my BA for providing me with the essential skills underpinning my business management career.”

Eddy Garcia-Grant

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

“I tell every group of kids: I cannot promise you a perfect world, but I can promise you a world of challenges. If you have the courage to face those, and face those with your friends, I can promise you will never be bored.”

Jackie French AM

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts

“The most powerful thing that I learnt at university was the ability to think critically. I carried this ability to analyse and dissect a situation from different angles with me from the classroom to different professional scenarios with relative ease.”

Julia Clyne

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in French and Religion

“In a rapidly changing job market it’s important to study transferrable skills rather than being set into one method of thinking and doing. Arts equips you with how to think, not what to think, and allows you to study the widest range of subjects.”

Henry Friend

Graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology

“I honestly feel that the knowledge gained while studying prepared me to become an insightful team leader and player... I credit the subjects in my BA for providing me with the essential skills underpinning my business management career.”

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Entry score threshold

OP

Rank

IB

12

75

26

These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2020. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.

Additional application information

EXCHANGE PROGRAM:
Because of the flexible nature of the BA degree program, BA students are ideally placed to participate in UQ's student exchange program. Many areas of study within the BA offer formal exchange programs to overseas Universities.

Entry score range

This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Arts for Semester 1, 2020

Ancient History/History

Examine the art, literature, religion, philosophy and social customs of early Mediterranean cultures through to cultures of the Middle Ages and beyond, including modern Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

Given the lasting influence of ancient ideas and institutions, the study of Ancient History helps to provide a basis for deeper understanding of modern society.

You could pursue roles in museums, publishing, media, international agencies, public and government sector in Australia and overseas.

Classical Languages

Learn reading and writing skills in classical Greek and Latin, two of the oldest languages in the world, which will give you a better understanding other European languages, ideas, cultures and societies.

Take your talents into careers in government, publishing and editing, cultural centres, education or academia.

International Relations

Equip yourself with the theoretical and practical tools to analyse and evaluate events and issues in world politics.

International relations provides an in-depth understanding of the nature and exercise of power in world politics; the origins, constitution and development of the international system; how ideas shape order, justice and security; Australia's role in global affairs, the interplay between domestic, international and transnational politics, and a diverse range of state and non-state actors

Graduates of this major will be global citizens, intellectually open and flexible, aware of and sensitive to cultural difference, and motivated to make positive change through global engagement.

Italian

This major focuses on the culture, art, music, architecture and literature of Italy.

Study includes language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as content-based courses (mostly in Italian).

Graduate opportunities include careers in education, translation/interpreting, hospitality and tourism, international politics and diplomacy.

Italian is available cross-institutionally at Griffith University. Details of courses are available on the Griffith University website. To study an Italian course, visit the Brisbane Universities Languages Alliance to submit your application.

Japanese

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture, including the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to broaden their career opportunities in these fields.

Legal Education Studies

This senior syllabus area examines the interface of law and society, providing an understanding of the legal system and its protection of individual rights in line with obligations and responsibilities.

This area of study includes a variety of courses dealing with legal foundations - Criminal, Civil and Business Law, International Law and Human Rights Law.

Philosophy

Philosophy will introduce you to key ideas in areas including epistemology, ethics, logic, metaphysics.

The purpose of philosophy is to learn how to evaluate theories and arguments, how to construct your own arguments and how to communicate ideas in a clear and powerful way.

Through your studies, you'll develop and use analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which can be used in endless careers and roles. You'll also study the philosophy of areas like art, science, education and politics, and learn about different research methods and analysis, which you'll use across your degree.

Psychology

Enjoy the study variety of this large discipline that covers topics like brain function, memory, conscious experience, lifespan development and social behaviour, together with the full spectrum of functional and dysfunctional behaviours.

Studies in Religion

Religion is a major force in every part of the world, and it continues to shape societies across the globe.

This major will lead you to reflect on and understand religious traditions, questions and values. Studies in Religion offers a critical, multi-disciplinary approach to a range of faiths and spiritual experiences.

Future work areas include education and academia, health and social welfare, law and justice, or even broadcasting.

Ancient History/History

Examine the art, literature, religion, philosophy and social customs of early Mediterranean cultures through to cultures of the Middle Ages and beyond, including modern Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

Given the lasting influence of ancient ideas and institutions, the study of Ancient History helps to provide a basis for deeper understanding of modern society.

You could pursue roles in museums, publishing, media, international agencies, public and government sector in Australia and overseas.

Classical Languages

Learn reading and writing skills in classical Greek and Latin, two of the oldest languages in the world, which will give you a better understanding other European languages, ideas, cultures and societies.

Take your talents into careers in government, publishing and editing, cultural centres, education or academia.

International Relations

Equip yourself with the theoretical and practical tools to analyse and evaluate events and issues in world politics.

International relations provides an in-depth understanding of the nature and exercise of power in world politics; the origins, constitution and development of the international system; how ideas shape order, justice and security; Australia's role in global affairs, the interplay between domestic, international and transnational politics, and a diverse range of state and non-state actors

Graduates of this major will be global citizens, intellectually open and flexible, aware of and sensitive to cultural difference, and motivated to make positive change through global engagement.

Italian

This major focuses on the culture, art, music, architecture and literature of Italy.

Study includes language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as content-based courses (mostly in Italian).

Graduate opportunities include careers in education, translation/interpreting, hospitality and tourism, international politics and diplomacy.

Italian is available cross-institutionally at Griffith University. Details of courses are available on the Griffith University website. To study an Italian course, visit the Brisbane Universities Languages Alliance to submit your application.

Japanese

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture, including the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to broaden their career opportunities in these fields.

Legal Education Studies

This senior syllabus area examines the interface of law and society, providing an understanding of the legal system and its protection of individual rights in line with obligations and responsibilities.

This area of study includes a variety of courses dealing with legal foundations - Criminal, Civil and Business Law, International Law and Human Rights Law.

Philosophy

Philosophy will introduce you to key ideas in areas including epistemology, ethics, logic, metaphysics.

The purpose of philosophy is to learn how to evaluate theories and arguments, how to construct your own arguments and how to communicate ideas in a clear and powerful way.

Through your studies, you'll develop and use analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which can be used in endless careers and roles. You'll also study the philosophy of areas like art, science, education and politics, and learn about different research methods and analysis, which you'll use across your degree.

Psychology

Enjoy the study variety of this large discipline that covers topics like brain function, memory, conscious experience, lifespan development and social behaviour, together with the full spectrum of functional and dysfunctional behaviours.

Studies in Religion

Religion is a major force in every part of the world, and it continues to shape societies across the globe.

This major will lead you to reflect on and understand religious traditions, questions and values. Studies in Religion offers a critical, multi-disciplinary approach to a range of faiths and spiritual experiences.

Future work areas include education and academia, health and social welfare, law and justice, or even broadcasting.

Centrelink support

Indicative annual fee

AUD $7,163

Indicative annual fee 2020 Commonwealth supported place

Fee information for 2021 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2020.

This indicative annual fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelor of Arts for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units over two semesters).

Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value. The Australian Government indexes fees each year.